(Part 2 in this series) The following is the text, in its entirety, of one of John Paul's "Angelus reflections": the Angelus being the prayer of the Church to honor the Incarnation, Christ becoming man by Mary's consent. These particular addresses were given on Sundays to pilgrims in Rome, delivered in 1995 in preparation for the UN's Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, which John Paul saw as a ripe opportunity to speak out on women's behalf. They are fairly short, usually between 3-6 paragraphs. I have included my own reflection, that which has struck me in particular, at the end of his text.

Angelus Reflection: Culture Must Respect Femininity, June 18, 1995Dear Brothers and Sisters,1. In the course of the Fourth World Conference on Women organized by the United Nations in Beijing for next September, the international community will be called to reflect on a series of problems concerning the status of women in our time. I would like to express immediately my deep appreciation of this initiative. The theme chosen is in fact extraordinarily important, not only for women, but for the very future of the world which depends so much on the awareness women have of themselves and on the proper recognition which should be guaranteed to them. Therefore, the Church looks hopefully to all that is being done in this regard and considers it a true "sign of the times," as my venerable predecessor John XXIII pointed out in his encyclical, Pacem in Terris (no. 22). A "sign of the times" that highlights an aspect of the full truth about the human being which cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, awareness of the identity and value of women has been obscured in the past - and still is today, in many cases - by various forms of conditioning. Indeed, they have been and are often culpably disregarded and offended by unjust and even violent practices and behavior. All this, on the threshold of the third millennium, is really intolerable! As the Church joins in denouncing all injustices that weigh on women's condition, she intends to proclaim God's plan in a positive way, so that a culture may develop that respects and welcomes "femininity."

2. As I have had more than one occasion to stress, and particularly in the apostolic letter Mulieris Dignitatem, the affirmation of woman's dignity must be the basis of this new culture, since she, like man and with man, is a person, that is, a creature made in the image and likeness of God (cf. no. 6), a creature endowed with a subjectivity from which stems her responsible autonomy in leading her own life. This subjectivity, far from isolating people and setting them in opposition, is on the contrary a source of constructive relationships, and finds its fulfillment in love. Women, no less than men, are fulfilled "in a sincere giving of self" (Gaudium et Spes, no. 24). This subjectivity is the basis of a specific way of being for woman, a way of "being feminine," which is enriching and indeed indispensable for harmonious coexistence, both within the family and in society.

3. May the Blessed Virgin help men and women in our time clearly understand God's plan for femininity. Called to the highest vocation of divine motherhood, Our Lady is the exemplary woman who developed her authentic subjectivity to the full. May Mary obtain for women throughout the world an enlightened and active awareness of their dignity, gifts, and mission.

"...the very future of the world depends so much on the awareness women have of themselves...the affirmation of woman's dignity must be the basis of this new culture..." Wow, what beautiful statements from the pope! The very reason for this website is to raise this awareness, so that women may be the source of this cultural renewal. The affirmation of women's dignity must begin with us women, acknowledging and acting upon it in our own lives and encouraging and supporting other women in our sphere of influence too...women helping women.

About this blog

It's Lisa here, thanks so much for visiting! This blog aims to inform as many women as possible about John Paul's beautiful teaching on the nature of woman, who she was meant to be by God and her purpose in his plan. In 2008 while I was a missionary in England, I decided to pursue an MA with an eye to writing about JPII for my dissertation; it eventually formed the basis for this website. I believe with all my heart that this knowledge has the capacity to truly transform society: authentic women choosing authentic marriages, producing authentic families that form the foundation of a new culture for Christ. St John Paul the Great, pray for us!